I was recently told by my high school art teacher that when you get older, distance becomes less of a problem, it transforms into something that is minuscule. You see when you are younger, three hours of driving or on a plane ride seems like eternity and you couldn't wait for it to be over; but as an adult three hours appears to be like half an hour. Maybe it's because you will do anything to go home or see your favorite people but time and distance changes as you mature. I can't really explain why that is but I realized distance isn't the boundary that is keeping me away from my friends and family; it's life.

Life gets in the way- not the 300 miles in between my best friend and I or even the 700 miles I'm away from my family.

Life is composed of so many things and it gets complicated in ways you did't even expect. It also includes other people's lives, money and emotions. If I had all the money in the world and my favorite people weren't busy, I would see them every weekend if I could. But alas, I cannot. So I grown accustomed to taking advantage of every chance I can get to say "hi, I'm thinking of you and I love you." Something so small can even make a difference in someones day.

Distance also doesn't exist in the context of traveling. If you are determined to go somewhere, no matter how far, you will go. Whether it be driving, hitch-hiking, or even walking, you can go. I believe if you truly trust yourself, you will make it anywhere you want to be. I understand there is a cliche involved but people often forget why they are cliches; because people felt this advice was so fundamentally important they had to tell everyone. Think about that.

Now, when my art teacher had this conversation, it made sense. Distance shouldn't be something that holds you back. Take my parents for example. My mom and dad met in Chicago but my mom was from Mexico and my dad from Chicago. They fell in love at first sight and held up a fairytale relationship for two years living long distance. The distance didn't matter to them, they loved each other and wrote to each other as much as they could (phones calls were expensive back then.) My beautiful parents found a way to be with each other despite the commute.

I shouldn't have to believe that distance is an annoyance. As a matter of fact, if I'm going to see people I care about or a place I care about I might as well enjoy it and take the scenic route.

I know that life can become hectic but be aware of your life and how you are spending it. Is it with people who love you and vice verse? Is it where you want to be? If not, then go toward your goal or family or whatever it is that you are chasing because distance doesn't exist.